The PM suggested Carlsberg increase production to full designed capacity at its plant in Phú Bài, in the central province of Thừa Thiên-Huế.

He said Việt Nam was accelerating the signing of the European Union-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which will open up favourable conditions for enterprises of both sides, including those from Denmark.

The Government leader added Việt Nam was stepping up the equitisation and divestment off State-owned enterprises in line with the principles of a market economy, transparency and openness, which he said, would offer opportunities to foreign investors, including Carlsberg.

With the beer-maker’s interest in capital divestment at Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage JSC (Habeco), the PM proposed both sides soon discuss existing problems to accelerate the share purchase.

PM Phúc welcomed Hart’s attendance at the event and stressed that Việt Nam was promoting co-operation with Denmark in various spheres, and businesses like Carlsberg play an important role in economic co-operation between the two countries.

Hart said Carlsberg had been present in Việt Nam since 2007 and has already invested in several beer brands in the country.

He said Carlsberg was keen on expanding operations in Việt Nam and wanted to invest more in Habeco after becoming a strategic investor in 2008.

Carlsberg has worked with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies of Việt Nam to speed up the process, he said, hoping that its business operations in Việt Nam will become more and more effective. — VNS